Bamboo as a support material in anaerobic reactors

The changes in 2.5-cm thick bamboo rings during their use as a support material in an anaerobic reactor show that the wash out and degradation processes are largely completed within 6 months to a year. The dry mass of the bamboo used decreased more quickly in the first half of the year than during the second half and asymptotically approached a loss limit of approximately 15% (w/w). The decrease in substances contained in the bamboo during the 2-year experimental period led to reductions in wall thickness of the rings of 0.8 mm and in the absorbable pressure of 21%. Bamboo thus appears to be suitable for long-term use in an anaerobic reactor.